December's council meeting noted the group's formation, which was initiated by Armidale Regional Council Mayor Simon Murray to provide independent advice, after air quality monitoring indicated wood smoke levels in the city exceeded National Air Quality Standards on many occasions every winter.
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The advisory group so far comprises of chair Mahalath Halperin (MH Architects), Dr Navjot Bhullar (UNE), David Carr (Southern New England Landcare Ltd), Peter Ducat (former Ducats Earthmoving), Dr David Hadley (UNE), Dr Jeffrey Kirkland (UNE), Prof Geetha Ranmuthulgala (UNE) and Prof Don Hine (UNE).
For many households it is their most cost-effective form of heating.
- Simon Murray
Numbers were expected to be bolstered with additional members, which would ensure a broad investigation of the issue. Its inaugural meeting was held on December 6.
Council has considered the issue of wood smoke from solid fuel heaters and its implications for council policies and regulations for some time.
In his report to the meeting Cr Murray said council staff had monitored the city’s air quality for several years and debate on how to reduce the levels of emissions from solid fuel heaters had been vigorous.
He said council was developing a Local Approvals Policy for Solid Fuel Heating Appliances, which is proposed to include particle emission limits for new wood heaters sold in Armidale.
“However, this would only apply to new wood heaters. Older solid fuel heaters may have much higher contributions to reducing the air quality,” Cr Murray said.
“The question is how to reduce the emission in total in a city where many people love their wood heaters.”
Cr Murray said the external group would advise council on mechanisms and strategies to improve air quality in Armidale during winter.
December's meeting resolved to enable a two-way flow of between councillors and the group, allowing council to make submissions to the group and meet with its chair.
